11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple

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“11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple” features music courtesy of Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Mac Miller & Ne-Yo.

Question that I plagiarized from myself: Do you need some really ‘good’ songs to add to your listening rotation? Well, if the answer is a resounding YES, we’ve got some tunes for you. By ‘good’ we’re not necessarily referencing the quality of the songs (though we swear by all these songs), but we’re talking about the fact that each song features the word ‘good’ in its respective song title.

11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple! serves as a follow up to the 2019 playlist, 15 Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple!. The ‘good’ songs featured on this sequel arrive courtesy of Alicia Keys (“Good Job”), Dua Lipa (“Good in Bed”), Lizzo (“Good as Hell (Remix)”), Mac Miller (“Good News”), and Ne-Yo (“Good Man”) among others. Without further ado, let’s jump right into these really ‘good’ songs, shall we?

1. Alicia Keys, “Good Job”

Alicia Keys • Alicia • RCA • 2020

Alicia Keys was set to release her seventh studio album, Alicia, in Spring 2020. Then, the coronavirus pandemic shifted her plans, among many other musician’s plans. While some artists have went on with the release of their planned albums, others have postponed project indefinitely. Look at preorders for many albums, and the expected date of arrival is December 31, 2020 – yikes! Regardless, some artists (Keys included) continue to release singles, giving fans something to sink their teeth into during a state of utter flux. Keys released her fourth single in advance of Alicia (we presume, but who knows), “Good Job”.

There are lots of things to like about “Good Job.” First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, this record should definitely appear on an updated version of 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic. Alicia Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students. “Good job, you’re doin’ a good job, a good job,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Don’t get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.” Essentially, lyrically, Keys says all the right things. Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity. While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record.

As aforementioned, Alicia Keys does a lot of things well on “Good Job” – more things than not. The most important takeaway is the messaging. All in all, Keys does a ‘good job’ on “Good Job.” Fancy tickled! “Good Job” previously appeared on the playlist,

2. Mac Miller, “Good News”

Circles • Warner • 2020

“Good News” is the crowning achievement of Circles, the posthumous album by Mac Miller, who died at the age of 26 in 2018. One of many Jon Brion co-productions on the album, the sound of “Good News” is quite refined, with plucked strings, a subtle, but highly effective, dusty drum groove, soulful electric guitar, and superb, if modest keyboard/synthesizer touches. It’s quite ear-catching, even if it floats, opting for restraint as opposed to being dynamic.

Beyond the backdrop, Miller is on-point, continuing to be reflective. “I spent the whole day in my head / Do a little spring cleanin’,” he raps on the first verse, continuing, “I’m always too busy dreamin’, yeah / Well, maybe I should wake up instead.” On the second verse, he asks, “Why I gotta build something beautiful just too go set in on fire?” Quite deep and incredibly relatable. The third verse is quite chilling and eerie, with the key lyric, “There’s a whole lot more for me waitin’ on the other side…” The centerpiece, expectedly, is the chorus:

“Good news, good news, good news             
That’s all they wanna hear
No, they don’t like you when I’m down
But when I’m flying, oh
It make ‘em so uncomfortable
So different, what’s the difference.”

Listening to “Good News” in particular, it’s easy to be saddened knowing that Miller is no longer with us; he had so much to offer. “Good News” is the total realization of his talent. “Good News” previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

3. Madison Beer, “Good in Goodbye”

“Good in Goodbye” • Epic • 2020

“You’re killing my vibe / In ways words cannot describe / But I’ll try, I’ll try.” Word! Madison Beer is part of the new guard – one of many up and coming pop artists. Entering her 21^st year, Beer released her debut EP, As She Pleases, back in 2018. Trace her roots back even further, and her debut single, “Melodies”, arrived in 2013, when she was 14 years old. Beer returned with her first new single of the new decade, “Good in Goodbye”.

Although it’s not even two-and-a-half-minutes long, there’s plenty to like about “Good in Goodbye.” The first thing that stands out are Beer’s vocals. Those pipes are quite husky, a quality I adore in a pop vocalist. The sound of her lower register, on the verse in particular, is quite sultry – she has a gorgeous tone. She also shows off her upper register, particularly when the vocal harmonies come into play.

In addition to her lead vocals, Beer also has attitude, exhibiting personality. It’s not merely the cuss words that accomplish this for her (“People started to notice all the shit you couldn’t see”), but overall, there’s confidence, sass, and fun songwriting. The chorus is a prime example, further amplified by the sleek, colorful production work by Beer, Leroy Clampitt, and One Love:

“You put the ‘over’ in ‘lover,’ put the ‘ex’ in ‘next’
Ain’t no ‘I’ in ‘trouble,’ just the ‘U’ since we met
‘Cause you’re toxic, boy, I ain’t even gotta try to find the
G-O-O-D in goodbye.”

“Good in Goodbye” is a certified bop. It previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2020.

4. Future, “Life is Good”

Ft. Drake

“Life is Good” • Epic • 2020

Drake and Future – a match made in heaven. Okay, maybe that’s overreaching, but honestly, ‘The 6 God’ and Future Hendrix have collaborated a lot over the years. Apparently, there can never be enough collaborations between the Toronto rapper/singer and an Atlanta rapper. Their latest musical union, “Life Is Good” is credited to Mr. Hendrix as the lead artist, though interestingly, it’s Drizzy that kicks things off.

Drake handles the first part of this two-parter, which is essentially divided by artist contributions. He begins by delivering a slick, melodic, and catchy chorus that finds him in the zone. He follows the chorus with one verse, which like the chorus, encompasses the come up, flexing, and of course, haters. After one final iteration of the chorus, Future drops an interlude before the second part of the song is a complete 180. Sure, Drake’s portion was anchored with a hard beat and banging production suited to him, but Future gets a backdrop that is characteristic to his style.

On the chorus, the first section of the second part of the song, Future flexes like a boss. Indeed, “Life is Good” – “Yeah, hunnid thousand for the cheapest ring on a nigga finger, lil’ bitch, woo!” Where Drake only served up one verse, we get two verses of Hendrix, with the colorful chorus separating them. Furthermore, the chorus follows the second verse, as does an outro that highlights the aforementioned opening line of the flex-heavy section. The verses are just about what you expect: Future drenched in autotune, referencing drip, drugs, and of course, sex. Ultimately, it’s shallow as albeit. “Life is Good” is enjoyable enough without being ‘the second coming.’ It’s neat that there are two distinct parts, yet it’s disjointed simultaneously.

5. Dua Lipa, “Good in Bed”

Future Nostalgia • Warner • 2020

Dua Lipa is pretty awesome – that goes without saying! The Grammy-winning English pop artist delivered a certified bop on her self-titled debut album. “New Rules” was the biggest attraction, but the hits were endless in all honesty. Topping that brilliant pop album = tall task. Ultimately, Lipa proves she’s up for the challenge with her incredibly engaging, utterly consistent sophomore album, Future Nostalgia. From start to finish, the English pop star is on autopilot. Not only is she ‘on,’ but I dare you find a chorus that won’t get stuck in your head after listening!

While love and sex have dominated Future Nostalgia, penultimate cut “Good in Bed” manages to separate itself from the rest. For one, it features contrasting production work, courtesy of Lindgren and Take a Daytrip. Sure, it’s still pop with dance and electronic sensibilities, but there’s a more soulful, old-school, hip-hop vibe compared to the preceding tracks. This sounds like a record that someone like Amy Winehouse may have recorded had she lived. “Good in Bed” finds Da Lipa giving us some of her most cutting, throaty vocals of the album, not to mention a heaping dose of repetition on the infectious, tongue-n-cheek chorus:

“I know it’s really bad, bad, bad, bad, bad
Messing with my head, head, head, head, head
We drive each other mad, mad, mad, mad, mad
But baby, that’s what makes us good in bed…”

I know the question you have in mind. Does Dua Lip dare utter the f-word? Of course, she does, on the bridge:

“Yeah, we don’t know how to talk
But damn, we know how to fuck.”

The sex is lit… lit AF to be precise!

6. Iann Dior, “Good Day”

“Good Day” • Internet Money / TenThousand Projects • 2020

For Industry Plant Iann Dior, it’s a “Good Day”. Why? Well according to the Puerto Rican rapper and singer, “I’ma have a good day ‘cause I had a long night.” Okay… sure… In all seriousness, Dior’s first single of 2020 is short but also pretty sweet. It won’t blow you away with great profundity or transcendence, but for under two minutes, it’s quite entertaining.

First, let’s start with the production. Sidepce, Gibbo Beats, and Taryn Lewis stich up a nice backdrop for Iann Dior to ‘do the damn thing.’ Despite being in a minor key, it’s quite bright in sound, with the optimistic keyboards, and, of course, an exuberant, rhythmic, anchoring beat. Beyond the instrumental, Dior brings sheer confidence, swagger, and a melodic rap approach to the table. He only gives us one verse, but, he makes sure to throw in some f-bombs (“New whip, too quick for them fuck niggas”), weed (“Roll a Backwood, take it to the face”), and of course, drip (“I left my town, pull up in a Wraith,” as well as, “I’m on my way, I love counting blue faces”). That said, there’s more than verses from Iann. Following a short intro, he offers up the pre-chorus (“Got a grip on the world, I’m okay with who I am…”) as well as the chorus, where he celebrates his ‘good day’ with some good weed.

The “Good Day” had by Iann Door is unlikely to change your life, but you can’t help but enjoy the vibes he’s feeling and giving off. There’s no profundity or transcendence, but the carefree, youthful (and probably irresponsible) fun is definitely, well, FUN to listen to. A two-minute bop.

7. Kiana Ledé, “Good Girl”

Ft. Col3trane

KIKI • Republic • 2020

2020 saw singer and actress Kiana Ledé release her full-length, debut album, KIKI. While KIKI hasn’t exactly lit up the charts, the album did debut in the top 30 of the Billboard 200. More importantly, KIKI has its fair share of notable moments, with single “Forfeit.”, featuring Lucky Daye, leading the charge. Another ‘good’ song worth mentioning is “Good Girl” featuring Col3trane.

“Good Girl” is a well-produced record, with the use of soulful guitar being a nice touch. As expected, Kiana Ledé sings about matters of the heart on this contemporary R&B cut. “Why do good girls end up with bad buys, bad guys,” she asks on the first verse, adding, “‘Bout to turn my savage up, that’s from my dad’s side, dad’s side.” Even with the plan to ‘amp up’ the savagery, Ledé sings absolutely beautifully. She does grow more overt on the second verse, asserting,“I’m on my own, you want your hoes, that shit so basic,” later adding, “Mean no offense to all the good ones, but men ain’t shit.”

Col3trane adds a unique dynamic, on the post-chorus, before getting his own verse. Essentially, he delivers the response to Ledé’s damning assessment you might say. “But babe, you know I’m falling in love with you, but still trying to earn your trust,” he sings, before closing out the verse with, “But damn, it’s just our luck you showed me what it was.” He actually closes out the song with a variant on Ledé’s chorus. Worth noting, though slightly off topic, from a production standpoint, drum programming only kicks in within the final minute of the song, halfway through the Colt3trane verse.

8. Lizzo, “Good as Hell (Remix)”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe) • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“So, girl, if he don’t love you anymore / Then walk your fine ass out the door.” Attitude! Lizzo, who had a tremendous year in 2019, has received buzz from songs recorded in years prior. This includes her number one hit, “Truth Hurts,” as well as a song from a previous EP, “Good as Hell.” “Good as Hell” originally appeared on Lizzo’s 2016 EP, Coconut Oil. Much like the two-year-old “Truth Hurts” (which appears on the deluxe version of Cuz I Love You), “Good as Hell” is a hot commodity, made hotter via a remix featuring Ariana Grande, appearing on the Super Deluxe version of Cuz I Love You.

The deal is, the original “Good as Hell” is indeed, good as hell. The vocals from Lizzo are on-point, filled with energy. The personality she infuses into her performance, coupled with brilliant production work by Ricky Reed makes this a totally infectious, can’t-miss, sub-three-minute gem. But, adding Ariana Grande, particularly with a degree of control and subtlety, works out well. Lizzo remains the star, but Grande provides a nice contrast, as she sneaks in on the second half of the second verse. From there on, the two trade lines or sing together with remarkable results. By the final chorus, the duet is quite ripe, giving listeners some epic ear candy – or something like that. Even if you’re a dude, who can resist:

“And do your hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin’ (Feelin’ good as hell).”

“Good as Hell (Remix)” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 G Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

9. Ne-Yo, “Good Man”

Good Man • Motown • 2018

Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo returned with his seventh studio album, Good Man. The singer-songwriter’s best work arguably came in 00s, with a run of albums including In My Own Words, Because of You, and Year of the Gentleman. Nonetheless, Shaffer Smith had his moments in the 10s. Good Man doesn’t reach the heights of the aforementioned albums, but he has some noteworthy moments, including the title track.

The soulful production of “Good Man” is the first hint that Ne-Yo is at his best; true to self. D’Angelo fuels the fire with “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)” is sampled brilliantly. Vocally, he remains smooth with his relatively light, easygoing vocals. He sings the rhythmic melody with great agility, incorporating oomph via nuance and personality. He’s backed by supporting vocals, straight out of the soul and R&B of the past. A shock to no one, the chorus, in all its simplicity, is the centerpiece.

“So, I just wanna be a good man, good man to you, girl
That’s all I want to be, baby.”

“Good Man” is more traditional than modern, but that’s the lane Ne-Yo has excelled. His more traditional R&B approach, while sprinkling in just the right amount of contemporary, hip-hop, and swagger is when he’s most compelling. Sounds pretty damn good to me!

10. Bleachers, “Goodmorning”

Gone Now • RCA • 2017

“Goodmorning” appears as the second track on Gone Now, the sophomore album by Bleachers (Jack Antonoff). Within the context of Gone Now, it should be noted that “Goodmorning” shares a connection with the previous song, “Dream of Mickey Mantle,” lyrically (“Woke up, I’m in the in-between honey / One foot out and I know the weight is coming”). In regard to its production and sound, “Goodmorning” is a stellar track, thanks particularly to the gospel-tinged piano. Also, Jack Antonoff sings well; quite expressively.

“Because I lied to you (I lied to you) / I lied to your face in the summer (your face in the summer) / You had long hair then (you had long hair then) / (I’m coming back from the dead).” Lyrically and thematically, you could argue “Goodmorning” is a bit of a tough follow. Antonoff provides some clarity about what “Goodmorning” is about (see the tweet):

woke up, i'm in the in-between honey 🔴
goodmorning: https://t.co/nr3HBVLSkY pic.twitter.com/BShjMOIWq8

— bleachers (@bleachersmusic) November 8, 2017

The lyrics have poetic qualities if deciphering them suitably is arduous. The music is what the listener is most apt to latch onto. Although “Goodmorning” is somewhat quirky and off-putting, it’s unique – the exemplification of an alternative cut.

11. Big Sean & Metro Boomin, “So Good”

Ft. Kash Doll

Double or Nothing • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2017

“Head so good, pussy so good / If I could quit my job and fuck you all day, shit, I would.” That pretty much sums up the filthiest, raunchiest song from the 2017 Big Sean/Metro Boomin collaboration, Double or Nothing. The sex is lit… lit AF to be precise. Big Sean is no stranger to incorporating sex into his music, but “So Good” just might ‘take the cake.’ He goes into graphic detail, taunting his size on the first verse (“Got a long dick, that shit barely fit”). If that’s not enough, on the same verse, he manages to be blasphemous regarding his performance (“Got so deep in that bitch, it felt spiritual / Flood in that pussy, it’s a miracle”).

Featured guest Kash Doll doesn’t let Big Sean have all the fun, as she focuses on how awesome the sex as well. If Sean seemed like the boss, self-proclaimed “nasty bitch” Kash Doll makes it clear that she holds the reins: “Last time I let you fuck, it was amazing, shit / Love a nigga who ain’t scared to put his face in it.” Obviously, she’s referring to her own private parts. And just in case it was perfectly clear, she goes on to say, “And I still remember every single place you licked / So I sucked the soul outcha just to thank that dick.” This one’s definitely NOT safe for work. This absolutely filthy, X-rated record previously appeared on 15 Songs That Focus on Private Matters as well as 11 Songs That are X-Rated, to Some Extent, fittingly.

11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Epic, Internet Money, Motown, Nice Life, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, TenThousand Projects, The Musical Hype, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner]

11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on April 28, 2020April 28, 2020